Jorge Rey

Aortic Aneurysmal Repair With Surtureless Visceral Revascularization Using Novel Hybrid Vascular Graft and a Gradual Funneling Technique

This article details a novel technique in the treatment of a symptomatic thoracoabdominal aneurysm (TAA) involving the visceral segment and an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient was treated in a 2-staged hybrid approach combining an endovascular repair of the infrarenal segment, followed by open TAA repair. The large visceral arteries were revascularized using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene GORE Hybrid Vascular Graft (GHVG) and a Gradual Funneling Technique with Dacron graft. This method assured a complete hemostatic seal and minimized visceral ischemic time. To our knowledge, this is the first case of sutureless visceral artery revascularization using GHVG reported in the literature.

Endovascular repair of a thoracic aortic aneurysm in pregnancy at 22 weeks of gestation

Thoracic aortic aneurysm is a rare condition that carries a critical risk of rupture and mortality. These risks are increased during pregnancy because of a progressively hyperdynamic pattern of circulation. Simultaneously, pregnancy-imposed limitations on the use of ionized radiation and intravenous contrast agents may render conventional techniques for imaging and repair confirmation less acceptable. We describe a novel approach to intraoperative management of an endovascular repair for symptomatic thoracic saccular aneurysm in a pregnant patient, based on intravascular ultrasound and transesophageal echocardiography, with maintenance of uterine perfusion. The patient recovered well and proceeded to a normal delivery. Despite a favorable outcome in this case, further studies of perioperative management of aortic disease in pregnancy are needed.

Mycotic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Secondary to Septic Embolism of a Thoracic Aorta Graft Infection

Mycotic aneurysms account for 1% of abdominal aortic aneurysms. There are very few cases published that describe the formation of mycotic aneurysms after septic embolism due to graft infection. We present the first case to our knowledge to be described in the literature of a mycotic aneurysm caused by septic embolism derived from a thoracic aorta graft infection, treated with conventional surgery leading to a successful outcome and evolution.

Extra-anatomic Endovascular Repair of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with a Horseshoe Kidney Supplied by the Aneurysmal Aorta

Abdominal aortic aneurysm complicated by a horseshoe kidney (HSK, fused kidney) represents a unique challenge for repair. Renal arteries arising from the aneurysmal aorta can further complicate intervention. Reports exist describing the repair of these complex anatomies using fenestrated endografts, hybrid open repairs (debranching), and open aneurysmorrhaphy with preservation of renal circulation. We describe an extra-anatomic, fully endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm with a HSK partially supplied by a renal artery arising from the aneurysm. We successfully applied aortouni-iliac endografting, femorofemoral bypass, and retrograde renal artery perfusion via the contralateral femoral artery to exclude the abdominal aortic aneurysm and preserve circulation to the HSK.

Mycotic aortic pseudoaneurysms in a patient with active Mycobacterium kansasii infection

Tuberculous aortitis is an exceedingly rare disorder with potentially fatal consequences. A harbinger of disseminated disease, aortic involvement can predispose patients to pseudoaneurysm degeneration and rupture. We present a case of infectious aortitis involving the thoracic, perivisceral, and infrarenal aorta in a patient undergoing active antibiotic treatment for recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis. A 32-year-old man with a medical history of pulmonary tuberculosis infection as a child presented to another hospital with long-standing chest and abdominal pain. After evaluation, treatment was initiated for recurrent active infection with Mycobacterium kansasii. He was discharged home; however, he subsequently presented to Jackson Memorial Hospital with worsening shortness of breath and abdominal pain. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated multiple pseudoaneurysms involving the thoracic and abdominal aorta (A/Cover, B, C, D). Negative blood cultures were obtained, and the patient was offered surgical repair in a staged fashion, with aortic debranching, followed by endovascular stent grafting. The patient opted for close observation with serial imaging after a detailed discussion of the planned procedure. The patient consented to the use of his computed tomography images for discussion, surgical planning, and publication.

Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome as a Cause of Intractable Migraines.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) refers to the compression of the neurovascular bundle within the thoracic outlet. Cases are classified by primary etiology-arterial, neurogenic, or venous. In addition to the typical symptoms of arm swelling and paresthesias, headaches have been reported as a potential symptom of TOS. In this report, we describe a patient with debilitating migraines, which were consistently preceded by unilateral arm swelling. Resolution of symptoms occurred only after thoracic outlet decompression. Patients with migraines and concomitant swelling and/or paresthesias, especially related to provocative arm maneuvers, should be considered a possible atypical presentation of TOS and evaluated in more detail.

Successful Revascularization of Aortic Arch in a 39-Year-Old Blunt Trauma Patient with Acute Diffuse Axonal Injury without the Use of Systemic Anticoagulation

Blunt traumatic aortic injury is the second leading cause of death in trauma patients aged 4-34 years. Of the patients who are able to receive treatment, mortality rates as high as 40% have been reported. Endovascular repair options have allowed for more expeditious repairs with reduced iatrogenic trauma; however, when the injury involves the ascending aorta or arch, current endografts lack fenestrations needed for cerebral blood flow. Traditionally, on pump, cardiopulmonary bypass with systemic anticoagulation has been used to repair these injuries. In this paper, we describe a unique case of repairing a large traumatic aortic arch pseudoaneurysm in the setting of which systemic anticoagulation is contraindicated. The patient is a 39-year-old otherwise healthy Hispanic male who presented to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami, Florida, following a motor vehicle collision and found to have multiple intracranial hemorrhages and a large aortic pseudoaneurysm of the distal ascending aorta. In lieu of standard cardiopulmonary bypass, a hybrid approach was utilized. Cranial blood flow was maintained using a temporary extra-anatomical left femoral to bilateral carotid bypass during endovascular coverage of the aortic arch. Aortic arch revascularization was then achieved by means of in situ laser fenestration of the innominate artery followed by a right-to-left carotid-carotid-subclavian bypass. This case demonstrates the viability of a hybrid vascular repair of a complex aortic disruption without the use of systemic anticoagulation in the setting of contraindicated or unknown risk of systemic anticoagulation. Further research is warranted on whether emergent traumatic cases with contraindications to anticoagulation can be performed in a similar fashion to safely reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with aortic disruptions.

TEVAR for Flash Pulmonary Edema Secondary to Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm to Pulmonary Artery Fistula

Enlarging aneurysms in the thoracic aorta frequently remain asymptomatic. Fistulization of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) to adjacent structures or the presence of a patent ductus arteriosus and TAA may lead to irreversible cardiopulmonary sequelae. This article reports on a large aneurysm of the thoracic aorta with communication to the pulmonary artery causing pulmonary edema and cardiorespiratory failure. The communication was ultimately closed after thoracic endovascular aortic aneurysm repair allowing rapid symptom resolution. Early diagnosis and closure of such communication in the presence of TAA are critical for prevention of permanent cardiopulmonary damage.